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$1 Billion Settlement of Tribal Trust Lawsuits Announced

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the settlement of lawsuits filed by 41 federally-recognized tribes against the United States, in which the tribes alleged that the Department of the Interior and the Department of the Treasury had mismanaged monetary assets and natural resources held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the tribes.

At every level of the Administration, this commitment has led us to forge and reinforce essential relationships, and to seek new avenues of communication and cooperation. And, in each of the tribal representatives gathered here today, weâve found strong allies who have proven not only willing-but eager-to take bold action, to confront complex challenges, and to usher in a new era of trust and respect.

Attorney General Eric Holder thanks the tribal leaders and professionals from the Departments of Justice, Interior, and Treasury for their "tireless" work on the settlements.

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âYou havenât just set a good example-youâve set a new standard. And these settlements have provided a model for fairness and success that will undoubtedly guide our collective efforts long into the future.

Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar speaks about how the Tribal Trust Accounting and Management Lawsuit settlements will "empower American Indian communities" and "strengthen the government-to-government relationship with Tribal nations."

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"These important settlements reflect President Obama's continuing commitment to ensuring empowerment and reconciliation for American Indians."